NHL 2nd Round Preview

By Scott

The puck drops on the second round of the NHL Playoffs tonight with the Blackhawks and Canucks facing off in Game 1 of their series.  After an intense first round that featured two series decided in Game 7's, an 8 seed knocking off a 1, and a three game comeback by the Capitals to fend off the Rangers, round 2 should maintain the same excitement.  And once again, the NHL seems to have struck marketing gold with their matchups, particularly Crosby vs. Ovechkin.  Am I the only one who finds this suspicious? To the picks...

Eastern Conference:

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes capped off an incredible first round matchup against the Devils with Eric Staal's series-clinching goal in the closing seconds of Game 7.  As great as that was, the Bruins were lounging in Boston resting up for Friday's Game 1.  Though the Hurricanes may have momentum on their side, the Bruins have an advantage in just about every other category.  Tim Thomas continues to leave opposing teams in awe with his acrobatic saves, and he gets the edge over Canes' goalie Cam Ward who has flown under the radar even after out dueling future hall-of-famer Martin Brodeur in the first round.  The Hurricanes won't be able to keep up with Boston's physical high-powered offense, and the Bruins will once again be at home waiting for their next opponent.

Prediction: Bruins in 5

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Washington showed off some serious resiliency after falling behind 3-1 to the Rangers, yet fighting back to win the series in 7 games.  However, like the Bruins, the Penguins were getting plenty of much needed rest.  Simeon Varlamov rescued the Cap's poor goaltending and may have secured a spot as their future goaltender, but he'll have to face off against Marc-Andre Fleury who gets the advantage in experience and skill.  The Caps won't get away with scoring 2 or so goals a game, as the Penguins will score, and score a lot.  The league's eyes will be on its two biggest stars in Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.  The already tense rivalry could go to the next level with playoff intensity.  Regardless, the Penguins are a superior team and will display that over the next two weeks.  The league will probably do whatever they can to stretch this series out into 7 games, but I think Pittsburgh takes care of business before that.

Prediction: Penguins in 6

Western Conference:

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks pulled off the biggest upset in recent memory by defeating the San Jose Sharks in 6 games.  Although it wasn't a fluke, the Sharks have consistently disappointed in the postseason, and Anaheim played up to their level.  Meanwhile, Detroit rolled over the Blue Jackets without any real competition until game 4 which the Red Wings won anyway.  Duck's net-minder Jonas Miller shut down the NHL's most potent offense, but won't have the same success against a faster, more efficient Red Wings offense.  For whatever reason, Detroit is simply unbeatable in the playoffs and the Ducks will be sent packing quickly.

Prediction: Red Wings in 5

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

Maybe the most intriguing series of the first round, the NHL's best goaltender faces the league's youngest, most explosive offense.  The Blackhawks outscored Calgary's high-powered offense, and played some pretty solid defense in the process.  Vancouver, led by Roberto Luongo, had no issues taking down the St. Louis Blues.  Chicago comes in as a sleeper to make a run for the cup, and are now battle tested after their beating of the Flames.  Vancouver won't be able to keep up and score with the Patrick Kane & Co. as the Blackhawks advance to meet up with the Red Wings in a Winter Classic rematch.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 6